Uricosuric

Uricosuric medications lower uric acid levels in the body by increasing the elimination of uric acid by the kidneys. Uricosuric medications are used to lower the uric acid level in the blood and to prevent the development of uric acid crystals in joints and kidneys.

They are also used to reduce the regularity of recurrences of severe gout. Continuous use of uricosuric agents lowers uric acid levels and reduces both the chance of forming uric acid crystals and the size of the granular chalklike clumps of uric acid crystals.

The two most common uricosuric medications are Benemid and Anturane. These medications can be not be started with an ongoing gout attack but can be taken before or after one has already occurred. People should not take uricosuric medications if they have urinary tract stones or urinary tract problems, are going through any cancer treatments, taking a regular dose of aspirin, or have any kidney problems.

The most common side effects include headache, rash, kidney stones (which can be avoided by adequate fluid intake), and stomach problems. Uricosuric medications cannot be taken with antacids but should be taken with food or milk to stop stomach pain. A rare but serious problem cause by this medication is bone marrow problems.

Doctors typically prescribe these drugs along with colchicine or low-dose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at the start of treatment, after a determined amount of time the doctor will advise the patient to stop taking the colchicine or NSAIDs.